December 13, 2022

 

Dear Orleans/Niagara BOCES Community:

 

Future Orleans/Niagara BOCES Career and Technical Education students will be eligible to receive “value added” credentials, including First Aid, CPR and Stop the Bleed. This will add additional certifications and greater employability for our students.

 

Orleans/Niagara BOCES is hiring.  We are working to fill more than 30 teacher and support staff positions.  Benefits include access to excellent health insurance coverage, pension eligibility and they follow the school’s annual calendar.

 

COVID-19 has not disappeared, but we are operating at normalcy with our programs, transportation, and building operations.  Holiday celebrations, social activities, and open houses are occurring.  

 

Earlier this week a joint message was received from the NYSDOH and NYSED related to limiting the spread of respiratory viruses.  The memo recommended the following five "common sense precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses":

1. Staying up-to-date on vaccines, including flu and COVID-19.

2. Washing your hands often with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds.

3. Not coughing or sneezing into your hands; sneeze or cough into your elbow.

4. Staying home when sick or symptomatic.

5. Wearing a well-fitting, high-quality mask when in public indoor spaces.

We consulted with our local health department who supports the above recommendations.  Please know that there is not a mandate to wear a mask in schools.  We understand that individuals need to make decisions that are best for themselves and their families.

 

The BOCES greatly appreciates the work of the staff, who have adapted and contributed to the success of the clients we serve.

 

We are following safety protocols, based upon recommendations from public health authorities including the CDC and the state and local health departments.  Protocols include continued building cleaning.  Students and staff exposed to COVID-19 are not required to quarantine.  People who have been exposed to COVID-19 should follow CDC recommendations to wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days after exposure and get tested.  Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate for five days at home.  Those with symptoms may resume attending school or work after five days, if they are fever-free without fever-reducing medicine for 24 hours, their symptoms are improving, and they wear a mask through Day 10.  CDC guidance indicates that people can use the test-based strategy outlined in its isolation guidance to potentially shorten the duration of post-isolation mask use.   BOCES staff will receive updated information as warranted, if revised guidance is issued by the CDC, a state or local health department, for the State Education Department (SED).

In cooperation with our health departments, our local school districts and the BOCES are being reimbursed for building air filters and offering regular vaccine clinics at various sites. 

 

High-quality regional education services require the teamwork and support of our clients, community and staff.  We remain proud of our record of service and appreciate the tremendous support you have given us and we look forward to working closely with our entire BOCES community as we progress toward the end of 2022.  Check out our programs at www.onboces.org.

 

Happy Holidays!

 

Sincerely,

 

Dr. Clark J. Godshall

District Superintendent/CEO